United News of Bangladesh

Initiatives are underway to enhance Bangladesh Bank’s authority in resolving troubled banks and stabilising the financial sector, officials said. Several weak banks are deteriorating further due to liquidity being tied up with industries linked to the S Alam Group, which has almost defaulted. Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank, recently disclosed that approximately Tk 3.45 lakh crore in loans have defaulted within the banking sector. This figure is expected to rise further once the assets of these weak banks are assessed. A significant portion of the defaulted loans belongs to troubled banks. The central bank has already appointed auditors to evaluate the asset quality of these institutions to determine their future. Election Commission rejects 20 reform proposals citing threat to authority A new law is being introduced to manage the country’s struggling banks, which may involve mergers or liquidations. To this end, Bangladesh Bank has finalised the draft of the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025, which will grant the central bank the authority to oversee financial institutions, including banks. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur recently stated that Bangladesh had witnessed one of the world's largest banking sector scams due to the abuse of state power, leading some banks to the brink of collapse. He explained that auditors—both domestic and international—are conducting assessments in consultation with the World Bank. Once the asset evaluations are completed, Bangladesh Bank will decide the fate of these banks. Dr Mansur said, “We do not yet know the true quality of the assets held by some troubled banks. However, a preliminary investigation suggests that over 80% of their loans were issued to a single group, while the remaining deposits were allocated to benefit the same group’s affiliates.” He pointed out that some banks would struggle to survive as their liabilities exceed their assets. Restoring Trust in the Banking Sector Dr Mansur emphasised the need to restore public trust in banks, stating that Bangladesh Bank will take all necessary measures to achieve this. A central bank official noted that most troubled banks are relying on loans from Bangladesh Bank, as their recovery rate is alarmingly low. These banks issued loans in violation of standard banking regulations, leading to their inability to recover despite liquidity support from the central bank. What Lies Ahead for Troubled Banks? A new law is being introduced to manage the country’s weak banks, potentially involving mergers or liquidations. Bangladesh Bank has finalised the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025, which was recently published on the Financial Institutions Division’s website, inviting feedback from stakeholders. The draft ordinance states that Bangladesh Bank must be granted resolution powers to ensure financial stability by safeguarding depositors’ interests and addressing capital or liquidity risks, insolvency, or threats to a bank’s existence. Consequently, efforts are underway to finalise this law. Surge in substandard products in Bangladesh exposes gaps in govt oversight The ordinance also specifies that in the event of a conflict with existing laws, its provisions will take precedence. Under the ordinance, a 'bridge bank' will be established to manage struggling financial institutions. This entity, created by Bangladesh Bank, will oversee the operations of a failing bank to maintain uninterrupted banking services throughout the resolution process. The bridge bank will ensure the continuity of essential banking functions while addressing financial instability until the troubled banks undergo merger, liquidation, or other necessary restructuring. The draft ordinance highlights several key objectives, including: Protecting depositors' funds Minimising government financial assistance Preventing the depreciation of bank assets Reducing creditor losses Ensuring overall financial sector stability When Bangladesh Bank decides to resolve a scheduled bank, it will issue a formal notification and implement the resolution mechanism under this ordinance. The proposed legislation empowers the central bank to transfer shares, assets, and liabilities of the resolved bank to a third party. Current Weak Banks in Bangladesh As of November 2024, the following banks have been identified as weak: First Security Islami Bank’s Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC Social Islami Bank Union Bank Global Islami Bank Second report of committee to reform NBR expected next month, focusing on automation National Bank Exim Bank ICB Islami Bank Bangladesh Commerce Bank NRB Bank Padma Bank Among these, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has shown signs of recovery, benefiting from a large customer base and strong public support. The bank has regained customer confidence domestically and internationally, as evidenced by its leading position in remittance inflows. Causes Behind the Failure of Weak Banks High levels of bad debt Insufficient liquidity Weak management Financial irregularities and corruption Inability to compete in the market A bank is classified as weak when its liquidity or solvency is compromised. This can occur if its financial resources, risk profile, or business model deteriorates significantly. Dr Selim Raihan, a professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka and Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM), pointed out that banking sector reforms have taken place worldwide, including in the United States. "As per global practice, weak banks can be merged and in some cases, multiple troubled banks are consolidated under a stronger institution for better management. This has happened in Bangladesh before, particularly after independence," he said.

In the quiet corners of Bangladesh’s rich heritage, where artistry meets tradition, the ethereal beauty of Jamdani sarees continues to enchant generations. A delicate interplay of threads weaves not just fabric, but stories—of dedication, craftsmanship and an undying love for heritage. Among these silent storytellers stands Roni Patowary, a young artisan from Paschim Char Krishnapur, a remote village in the South Algi Durgapur union of Haimchar, Chandpur. With deft hands and an indomitable spirit, he breathes life into the centuries-old craft of Jamdani weaving, turning fine threads into dreams draped in elegance. A Journey Etched in Determination Roni’s tale is one of resilience, woven through the struggles of time. Two decades ago, hardship forced him to leave his beloved hometown in search of sustenance. The bustling looms of Narayanganj became his classroom, where he mastered the intricacies of Jamdani weaving—a skill passed down through generations, delicate yet demanding, poetic yet precise. Bumper tomato yields bring no joy to Sunamganj farmers Fate, however, had written a different pattern for him. The call of home proved stronger than the allure of distant opportunities, and Roni returned to his village with newfound expertise. His modest tin-roofed home transformed into a sanctuary of artistry, where every warp and weft sings a song of tradition. "It takes me three to four days to craft a single Jamdani saree by hand," Roni shares, his voice a blend of pride and patience. "Though I receive orders from various places, each piece requires meticulous attention. There are no shortcuts in this craft." His father, Billal Patowary, beams with quiet pride. "Roni’s return has not just brought prosperity to our home but has rekindled a dying tradition in our village," he says. His mother, Salma Begum, speaks of the delicate process, a dance between hands and loom. "The art requires threads, wooden frames, spools, and scissors. Every motion is deliberate, every design an act of love." From Threads to Treasures Though formal education eluded him due to financial constraints, Roni found wisdom in the rhythm of the loom. Each saree he weaves is a labour of love, its value dictated by the intricacy of design and the fineness of the yarn. "Jamdani saree prices  range from Tk 3,700 to Tk 8,000, but the masterpieces—custom designs with intricate details—can fetch Tk 4-5 lakh," Roni explains. The magic lies in the selection of threads. The higher the thread count, the smoother the fabric, creating a piece that whispers elegance with every fold. The design yarn, woven with precision, emerges in contrast against the texture yarn, lending clarity and depth to the motifs. Once completed, each saree is starched and wrapped in bamboo, preserving its crispness and sheen—a final touch before it adorns a woman with grace. Dreams Beyond the Loom Yet, Roni’s aspirations extend beyond personal success. He envisions a future where his craft becomes a source of livelihood for many, where the looms hum with the dreams of his fellow villagers. Naogaon to see bumper mango harvest worth Tk 3,500 cr this year "I hope for support from both government and private sectors to scale up this initiative," he shares with quiet determination. "With the right assistance, I can employ more hands, ensuring that our local economy thrives through this age-old craft." His vision has not gone unnoticed. Sardar Abdul Jalil, Chairman of South Algi Durgapur Union Parishad, affirms, "We deeply appreciate Roni’s initiative. We are committed to helping him expand his enterprise so that this industry flourishes." Haimchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Salma Nazneen Trisha echoes this sentiment. "There are few industries in this region, so initiatives like Roni’s are invaluable. The upazila administration will provide the necessary support to help his business thrive." A Legacy Woven in Hope Roni Patowary’s journey is more than just a tale of artistic mastery—it is a testament to the resilience of Bangladesh’s cottage industries. His story reminds us that beyond every finely woven thread lies the spirit of a craftsman, the pulse of a culture, and the soul of a nation. As his loom continues to whisper stories of heritage, Roni stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that dreams—when woven with passion and perseverance—can become an enduring legacy.

Unlike in previous elections, the BNP has no possibility of forming an electoral alliance with its long-standing ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, ahead of the next national election, even if the Awami League participates in the polls, said party Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy. In an interview with UNB, he also expressed doubts about Jamaat's potential to establish an indirect alliance with the Awami League and through the assistance of India, as the Islamist party appears desperate to go to power. The BNP leader, however, said India, as a close neighbour of Bangladesh, should take the initiative to improve its relations with the BNP and the people of Bangladesh, as it has harmed bilateral ties by favouring only one political party. Tarique warns of threats to democracy, vows to uphold country’s secular character During the extensive interview, Gayeshwar also discussed the current political situation, the interim government’s performance and reform initiatives, the upcoming election, the future of the NCP and the Awami League, Tarique Rahman’s homecoming as well as the BNP’s next course of action to force the government to arrange the election by this year. “I don’t see any possibility for the BNP to form an electoral alliance with Jamaat this time. But, there is a possibility of Jamaat forming an alliance with the Awami League if our neighbouring country facilitates or arranges it,” Gayeshwar said. He also said Jamaat may establish at least an indirect alliance with the Awami League, as they did in the past in 1986 and 1996. “The way Jamaat is behaving, it seems they are desperate to come to power. In times of crisis, Jamaat has betrayed the nation. They were with the Awami League during the movement for the caretaker government in 1996 and during the 1986 elections. If Jamaat and Awami League had not participated in the 1986 elections, Ershad would have fallen much earlier,” the BNP leader said. Indian media involved in anti-Bangladesh propaganda: BNP’s Farroque Gayeshwar, however, said the common voters of the Awami League would not vote for Jamaat, even if the party forms an alliance with the Islamist party. He said BNP had an alliance with Jamaat based on elections and movements, and their party wants to continue it, but Jamaat is showing hostility towards BNP The BNP and Jamaat came close to each other during the 1991 national election, but their formal coalition was established in 1999. Since then, they have been together in their political journey. Starting with a four-party alliance and expanding to a 20-party coalition, they remained politically aligned until the dissolution of the 20-party alliance before the 12th national elections. With the Awami League absent from the political stage following the August 5 (2024) political changeover, the two long-standing allies, BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, appear to be drifting apart as they vie for dominance ahead of the upcoming elections, according to political analysts. Gayeshwar also openly talked about his party’s stance on relations with India. “Our relationship with India remains the same as before. We have a foreign policy that encourages having friends abroad, but not masters. We must maintain diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, so we are open to improving bilateral ties with India,” he said. July uprising and interim govt are outcomes of BNP's long struggle: Khandaker Mosharraf The BNP leader said India must take the initiative to improve diplomatic relations with whoever comes to power in Bangladesh. “India must take this initiative. We have not ruined relations with India. The people of Bangladesh have become dissatisfied with India because it chose to align with a party (AL) they do not support. To mend this, India must take diplomatic efforts,” he said. He also said Indian authorities should change their approach towards Bangladesh, respecting the people of Bangladesh and their wishes. Asked when BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman can return to the country, Gayeshwar said he may come back anytime. “Tarique Rahman will return to the country after considering everything, including his security issue.” He said their party has been pushing for the restoration of democracy through a credible election for the last 17 years. “We’ve been patient, trusting the interim government, but we won’t stay idle for long. Even if we don’t want to, we may have to take to the streets to ensure the election.” The BNP leader said there is no need to buy more time for the election in the name of reforms. “Reform is an ongoing process. We want reforms, but elections cannot be delayed for them. Elections must be held as soon as possible. Necessary reforms should be done to organise a free, fair, and acceptable election and the remaining reforms can be carried out by the elected government.” New conspiracy unfolding against BNP, democracy and Bangladesh, warns Tarique Gayeshwar said the interim government should not treat BNP as an opposition party, pushing it to take to the streets. He said BNP’s main demand over the past 17 years has been a fair election. “There is no reason to deviate from this demand.” Replying to a question, Gayeshwar said that the National Citizen Party (NCP) was supposed to be formed without any support from the government. “The strength of the new political party (NCP) lies within the government itself, as the government is doing a lot to support them, which is causing it to lose its neutrality.” He compared this to the actions of the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin government, which tried to create new parties but ultimately failed. When asked about the future of the Awami League, Gayeshwar said he does not support banning any political party, as it is the people who decide the fate of parties. He observed that many once-prominent parties, such as the Muslim League and National Awami Party, have faded into obscurity. Interim govt advisers trying to divide anti-fascist movement: Rizvi “This means many political parties in Bangladesh have been rejected by the people and disappeared. Can the Bangladesh Muslim League be found now anywhere? Has the National Awami Party been banned? But where are they now?” he said. The BNP leader said if the people continue to reject the Awami League in future elections, it may face the same fate as the Muslim League.

As summer approaches, the sweltering heat of Chaitra looms over Bangladesh, pushing both public life and agricultural fields to their limits. With rising temperatures, the demand for electricity is also set to surge. Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on February 5 said that electricity demand is expected to reach 15,700 MW during Ramadan, and may rise further to 18,000 MW in the peak summer months when irrigation demand increases. Despite Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) data indicating a total installed capacity of 27,790 MW, the country faces persistent fuel shortages, creating a major obstacle to stable electricity supply. Bangladesh, Kuwait pledge stronger ties in trade, energy and investment Daily load shedding could range between 700 MW and 1,400 MW during this period and to mitigate the shortfall, the government plans to import four LNG cargoes to meet the additional demand for power generation, according to the adviser. However, while fossil fuels remain central to the country’s energy strategy—relying heavily on gas, coal, and furnace oil—the role of renewable energy remains uncertain. Ambitions and roadblocks The deposed Awami League government set an ambitious target of generating 40% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2041. However, the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) reports that the country’s current on-grid renewable energy capacity, including solar, wind, and hydro, stands at just 1,176 MW, increasing to 1,557 MW when off-grid systems are included. Currently, the contribution of renewables to the national grid is below 5%. A number of other issues also make the target of 40% a far cry given the current state of the power sector.. These issues include non-alignment of major plans prepared by the Ministry of Power Energy and Mineral Resources (MoPEMR) and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) with regard to the target, a number of non-renewable energy mixes considered ‘clean energy’ along with renewable energy under the plan prepared by the MoPEMR, and lack of clarity about the disaggregated amount for 40 percent to be generated from renewables, since the projected demand for electricity in 2041 is questionable, according to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Experts argue that Bangladesh's heavy reliance on energy imports—both fossil fuels and electricity—necessitates a stronger focus on domestic renewable energy. Increasing renewable energy capacity would help reduce dependence on international markets, lessen import costs, and preserve foreign currency reserves. Economic toll forecast During 2022–2028, the government would have to spend over $228 million for importing LNG, which would be required to meet the domestic demand, according to CPD [Khondaker Golam Moazzem and Moumita A. Mallick]. In addition, a report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) estimates that a more ambitious clean energy capacity target of 40% by 2041 (without storage facilities) would require an annual investment of $1.53 billion to $1.71 billion from 2024 through to 2041. Barriers to Renewables Shafiqul Alam, Lead Energy Analyst for IEEFA Bangladesh, identified high import duties on renewable energy equipment as a key issue. He said, "High import duties pose a major challenge for small-scale — rooftop solar, mainly the decentralised —implementation. Since we import the equipment, there is a specific import duty involved. Although it is feasible when calculated based on the levelised cost of energy, this additional cost remains a significant obstacle." Ensure greater decision-making opportunities for women in energy sector: NGO activists He mentioned that the process of getting finance for it is a bit complicated, especially the green finance fund of Bangladesh Bank is a bit difficult to access. Solar irrigation, an area with significant potential, also faces hurdles. “Solar irrigation systems operate for only 120–140 days a year. The challenge lies in making use of the infrastructure for the rest of the year to ensure commercial viability,” explained Alam. “A more structured business model is needed as an alternative to costly diesel-based irrigation.” Land scarcity poses another problem for large-scale solar projects. He pointed out that acquiring land is highly complex due to fragmented ownership. “To generate 100 MW of solar power, about 300 acres of land is required. However, securing this land is incredibly difficult as it often belongs to 50–100 different owners,” he noted, adding that the government could have allocated state-owned land for such projects. A revised renewable energy policy is in the works, and there is discussion about offering tax waivers for decentralised rooftop solar systems. Alam suggested that Bangladesh Bank should consider creating a dedicated financing scheme for renewable energy and that SREDA should actively motivate industry owners to promote adoption. “The most practical step would be to install 1,000–2,000 MW of rooftop solar as soon as possible,” he recommended. A window for foreign investment Dr SM Nasif Shams, associate professor and director of the Institute of Energy at Dhaka University, as well as a board member of SREDA, highlighted growing international interest in Bangladesh’s renewables sector. “Several foreign companies are eager to invest. Previously, there was hesitation and bias, but now we must be careful to retain this interest and ensure steady progress,” he said. Govt to clear arrears to int'l energy suppliers in two months Shams stressed that political uncertainty should not deter progress. “Governments may change, but renewable energy projects need long-term commitment. Even if large-scale projects take time, smaller initiatives should continue without disruption,” he added. “Many projects initiated under the previous government are at various stages of completion and should be prioritised.”

Despite political instability, Chattogram Customs  House, the country's largest customs station, has collected Tk 48,271 crore in revenue in eight months of the fiscal year 24-25, showing a significant increase of 11 % compared to the revenue collected during the same period in the previous fiscal year. The business leaders thought that it has been possible to collect a huge amount of revenue due to the availability of the opening of letters of credit (LCs) and stricter enforcement of tax regulations to prevent evasion. Although revenue collection fell short of the target, it exceeded last year’s figures. According to sources, Chattogram Customs House collected Tk 48,271 crore against a target of Tk 55,419 crore as of February in the 2024-25 fiscal year. NBR launches customs risk management to address money laundering Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Customs House, Saidul Islam, credited intelligence surveillance and enhanced port security for reducing irregularities. "By strictly adhering to customs laws and strengthening monitoring, we have successfully increased revenue collection," he said. In recent years, import volumes declined due to the dollar crisis, but as the situation improved in the mid of the fiscal year, traders were able to open LCs more easily, positively impacting revenue collection, he said. In February alone, Chattogram Customs collected Tk 6,152 crore in revenue, slightly below the target of Tk 6,440 crore. Benapole customs sees increase in revenue despite import decline SM Saiful Islam, President of the Chattogram C&F Agents Association, said that imports and revenue had previously declined due to factors such as political turmoil in July-August, severe floods and the dollar crisis. "However, with a steady rise in remittance inflows, the dollar situation has improved. Banks are now issuing import LCs, and the government is encouraging imports by reducing duties on essential commodities," he said. He added that heightened vigilance by Customs and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has significantly curbed duty evasion, further boosting revenue collection. "If political stability continues, meeting the revenue target is just a matter of time," he said. SM Abu Tayeb, Chairman of the International Business Forum, said in previous years, political influence often led to duty waivers on imported goods. "However, strict enforcement of laws has significantly reduced this trend," he said. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the NBR has set a revenue target of Tk 83,432 crore for Chattogram Customs House. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the customs house collected Tk 68,866 crore in revenue against a target of Tk 77,616 crore, with February alone recording a historic high of Tk 6,152 crore. This increase in revenue highlights the region's vital role in the national economy as Chattogram serves as the primary gateway for imports and exports in Bangladesh. This boost in revenue is crucial for financing development projects, improving infrastructure, and supporting the government’s fiscal policies. It also underscores the importance of Chattogram as a key contributor to the country’s economic stability and growth.  

Even after the arrival of 18,800 metric tonnes (MT) of rice from India via Benapole land port in the last four months, market prices remain high, causing hardship for consumers, particularly those from low-income groups.  Despite government efforts to stabilise the situation, the price surge continues to strain household budgets. The substantial quantity of rice was imported between 17 November and 13 March under the 2024-25 fiscal year through eight authorised importers, enjoying a duty-free facility.  The most recent consignment of 350 MT of rice entered the country through the port on 13 March. In an effort to stabilise the rice market and ensure food security, the government has permitted major rice importers to bring in rice from abroad. On 6 March, a notice signed by Mohammad Ariful Islam, Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Food, extended the deadline for opening letters of credit (LCs) for the import of non-Basmati boiled rice and Atap rice until 15 April. Multiple Deadline Extensions According to Benapole customs sources, the government authorised 92 institutions across the country to import 273,000 MT of boiled rice and 119,000 MT of Atap rice.  But many importers have been unable to bring in their allocated quotas due to various challenges. The government has extended the import deadline multiple times due to the slow progress in import activities. Initially set for 15 January, the deadline has since been extended several times, with the latest extension allowing imports to continue until 15 April to ensure adequate supplies in the market. Govt approves import of 50,000 MT of rice from India Rising Prices Despite Increased Supply Despite continuous rice imports, market prices have remained high, with a noticeable surge in recent weeks.  Middle-income and low-income consumers are bearing the brunt of the price hike, despite the government’s efforts to stabilise the market. Rice trader Din Mohammad said that prices have increased by Tk 4-5 per kilogram since the start of Ramadan.  For instance, the 28 varieties of rice, previously sold at Tk 64 per kg, are now priced between Tk 68-69 per kg. Miniket rice, previously Tk 72 per kg, has risen to Tk 76, while coarse rice has increased from Tk 52 to Tk 56 per kg. Basmati rice, which was Tk 84 per kg, is now selling for Tk 88-90. "Indian rice is available for Tk 58 per kg, but its demand in the market remains low," he added. Din Mohammad also expressed doubts over the possibility of a price reduction during Ramadan, saying that despite continuous imports from India, market prices remain unaffected. Rice prices soar in Kushtia amid halt in milling Efforts for Efficient Distribution Shamim Hossain, Director of Traffic at the port, assured that trucks carrying imported rice from India receive swift clearance to facilitate rapid distribution to local markets. Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Commissioner of Benapole Customs House, highlighted the strategic importance of Benapole Land Port in expanding import-export trade. "Due to its proximity to Kolkata, the port enables businesses to save both time and costs in trade operations. With an efficient transportation network, goods cleared at the port can quickly reach various district markets across the country," he said. Despite these efforts, the struggle to stabilise the rice market continues, with consumers hoping for relief in the coming weeks.  

The Election Commission has opposed at least 20 reform recommendations made by the Electoral System Reform Commission arguing that it would undermine its authority and create complexities. In a letter sent to the National Consensus Commission on Monday, the EC also raised its logic behind its stance contradicting the reform proposals. EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Monday told reporters that they sent their opinions, expressing different views over some recommendations to Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz. EC working towards holding election in Dec 2025: Election Commissioner Anwarul He said if the recommendations are implemented, it would undermine the EC’s authority. The major areas where the Election Commission expressed different views are delimitation of constituencies, local body elections, appointment of returning officers and assistant returning officers, submission of nomination papers, qualification and disqualification for a candidate, certification of fairness and credibility of the national election, identity card management and EC’s accountability.    Independent Commission for Delimitation of Constituency About the proposal for formation of a separate independent commission for the delimitation of constituency, the Election Commission thinks if the task is shifted to a separate body, it would undermine the EC’s authority given by the constitution, an effective norm, cause the waste of time unnecessarily, create complexity and enhance the government costs for separate budget and formation of organisation structure for the separate entity. Besides, the EC is an independent entity and it has five and half a decade-long experiences and competences as well as an institutional memory in this regard. The reform commission recommended that smaller district population quota for the small districts and greater district population quota for the larger districts with maximum plus or minus 10 percent deviation should be considered during the delimitation of constituencies. But in the case of the Dhaka and Chattogram City Corporation areas, the deviation can be highest plus or minus 15 percent.  It also proposed that three CHT constituencies should be considered as protected constituencies. The EC argued that the proposal is unrealistic, as it would require the demarcation of over 200 constituencies and lead to a gradual increase in the number of constituencies in city areas. It also said geographical position and integrity, population size, voter size, administrative units and advantages are rightly being considered during the delimitation of constituencies as per the existing laws. Local Body Elections The Electoral System Reform Commission recommended that the national election and the elections to all local government bodies should be held during a caretaker government extending its tenure to four months. But the EC contradicted the recommendation saying that it is not possible to hold all the elections properly within such a short time as it took on an average one year to complete the elections to all local bodies in phases. The reform commission suggested arrangement of local government elections before the national election. But the EC opposed it saying it would delay the national election. Returning Officer Appointment The reform commission recommended that EC’s own officers should be given priority during appointment of returning officers and assistant returning officers and if adequate EC’s officers are not found, then officers from administration and other cadres should be appointed. In this regard, the EC said the priority should be exercised here considering the capacity and seniority. Certification of Election Fairness and Credibility The reform commission suggested that the EC should issue a gazette notification to certify fairness, credibility and acceptance of a national election within 48 hours of the election and before the publication of result in gazette notifications. But the EC said it is unnecessary as the commission, being satisfied about the election, publishes results in gazette notification. EC seeks OIC nations’ support to facilitate expatriate voting Besides, the presiding officers and returning officers were already given enough authority in the laws for holding elections in fair and credible manners. The gazette notifications are issued following their reports. The Election Commission said if they deem that a presiding officer or returning officer does any injustice or adopt any unjust means, the commission has authority to take actions against the person concerned. The reform commission recommended that if a political party is aggrieved with the announcement to certify the fairness and credibility of a national election, there should be a scope for it to lodge any complaint with the National Constitutional Council or the Supreme Court within 48 hours. In that case, the council or the court shall settle the complaints within seven working days. About the recommendation, the Election Commission said if such provision is made, the defeated political parties would get scope to make an election questionable unnecessarily. Since there is a provision to file a petition with the electoral tribunal (High Court) challenging the fairness of election as per the Article 49 of the Representation of People Order 1972, the recommended provision is unnecessary. EC’s Accountability The reform commission recommended a provision so that EC’s legal, financial and administrative proposal should be placed before an all-party parliamentary committee led by the Speaker of the parliament or the proposed upper house instead of a ministry. Following the discussion with the EC, the all-party committee shall send the proposals to the authority concerned to take necessary steps. But the EC said it is not the job of a parliamentary committee, rather it is an executive task. Besides, it would intensify purposive influence and make the process lengthy. The reform commission proposed that if election commissioners failed to perform their constitutional duty or breach their oaths, then such complaints can be investigated by the all-party parliamentary committee and send recommendations including taking legal actions to the president. In this regard, the EC said this recommendation would invite a bad result as the explanation of ‘failure’ word is relative. Besides, the Election Commission would not be able to take a firm stance fearing reprisal. NID Card Management The reform commission recommended formation of an independent national citizen data commission to register, preserve and distribute national identity cards within the next seven years. Birth and Death Registration Information System (BDRIS), and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) shall be taken under the citizen data commission.     EC sends opinions to consensus commission opposing some proposals In this case, the Election Commission said if the NID database containing the voter lists is shifted to any other entity, it will contradict the constitution and undermine EC’s constitutional authority. Now 186 firms like Bangladesh Police, intelligence agencies, Bangladesh Bank, NBR, Land Ministry, government and private banks receive services from the NID database. Candidate’s Qualifications-Disqualifications  The reform commission recommended that if a person announced by a court as a ‘fugitive accused’ can’t contest the election. But the EC said this provision can be applied for ill-motives. The reform commission suggested dropping the RPO provision that requires the elapsing of three year times following retirement of a person who was in the executive post of a non-government organization to contest in the election. But the Election Commission thinks the provision should be upheld. Nomination Submission The reform commission recommended all aspirants except those who are under legal custody should mandatorily present in person during submission of the nomination paper. In this regard, the Election Commission said there should be scope for both online submission and offline submission; otherwise there might be recurrence of instances as occurred in 2014.

The much-awaited Jamuna Rail Bridge, the country's largest railway bridge was formally inaugurated on Tuesday at 10 am, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's railway connectivity. Following this inauguration, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 km/h, revolutionising rail communication between Dhaka and the northwestern region, said Project Director of the Jamuna Rail Bridge Project, Al Fattah Masudur Rahman. Online train tickets vanish in a blink as expert weighs in on black market fiasco Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam attended the inauguration as the chief guest at Ibrahimabad Railway Station on the eastern bank of the Jamuna Rail Bridge. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and the Director General of JICA’s South Asia Department were present as special guests at the event, said the Project Director. A New Era in Rail Communication After the trial runs, the bridge will now be fully operational. With its introduction, not only will railway travel time be significantly reduced, but it will also fulfill a long-standing dream of better connectivity and economic growth for the northwestern region. Previously, the Jamuna River had left Sirajganj and the northern districts isolated, depriving them of adequate development. While the construction of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge in 1998 established both road and rail connections, cracks appeared in the structure by 2008, limiting train speeds to just 20 km/h. Since then, approximately 38 trains crossed the bridge daily at reduced speeds, affecting transportation efficiency. Potato farmers in Faridpur struggle with cold storage woes amid sweltering heat To address this issue, on March 3, 2020, authorities initiated the construction of a dedicated railway bridge 300 metres upstream of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge. The foundation stone was laid on November 29, 2020, and piling for the first pillar began in March 2021. Massive Infrastructure and Investment The 4.8 km-long Jamuna Rail Bridge features 50 pillars and 49 spans. With additional railway embankments and loops, the total railway track installed spans 30.73 km. Initially, the project was budgeted at Tk 9,734.07 crore, but the cost later increased to Tk 16,780.96 crore. Of this, 27.60% was financed domestically, while 72.40% was funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Japanese company OTG and IHI Joint Venture implemented the project, with contributions from five major Japanese contractors. Over 7,000 workers from Japan, Vietnam, Nepal, Australia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh worked for four years to complete the bridge. Railway Operations to Improve Significantly On February 12, commercial passenger train operations commenced on the bridge when the intercity Silk City Express crossed from Rajshahi to Dhaka at a speed of 50 km/h in six minutes. From Tuesday, trains will operate at full capacity on both up and down lanes, running at speeds of 120 km/h. Chief Engineer of the Jamuna Rail Bridge Project, Tanvirul Islam said the bridge’s state-of-the-art rail lines, installed with advanced Japanese technology, will allow safe and high-speed train movement. Concerns growing over Rooppur Nuclear Plant’s viability amid high costs Project Director Al Fattah Masudur Rahman added that the previous bridge had weight limitations, permitting only meter-gauge freight transport. With the new bridge in place, broad-gauge trains, which have higher demand in the region, will be able to transport goods efficiently. This will benefit businesses importing goods from India, as they can now rely on rail transport instead of sea routes. Besides, freight trains of all kinds will be able to operate without restrictions. He, however, noted that the bridge does not have a double-E track system, meaning two trains cannot run simultaneously. Name Change Initially, the bridge was named “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge.” After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the interim government issued a gazette notification in December, renaming it the “Jamuna Rail Bridge.” The official launch of the bridge is expected to bring economic prosperity to the region, improve trade logistics and significantly enhance railway transport efficiency across Bangladesh.

With the break of dawn on March 14, the online ticket sales blossomed into a whirlwind of excitement, as eager travellers raced to secure their Eid-ul-Fitr journeys. Yet, in an all-too-familiar scenario, the digital marketplace was quickly flooded, with tickets vanishing in mere moments, sparking frustration and dismay among countless eager travellers. For years now, the online system has been the only avenue to secure a coveted seat on the Eid-bound trains, and each year, this has only intensified the rush. According to reports, the website for railway ticket sales was inundated with millions of hits within minutes of opening its virtual gates. By 9 am, tickets for most of the trains heading to popular destinations such as Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram were sold out, while the few remaining tickets for other routes, including Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat and Rajshahi, quickly followed suit. By 11 am, nearly all the tickets had been snapped up. At the Dhaka Railway Station, tempers flared as frustrated passengers arrived in droves, having failed to secure tickets online. One such commuter, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted his experience of attempting, in vain, to book a ticket for a journey to Rajshahi on March 24. Despite hours of trying, he was met with the relentless message: ‘sold out’. In a final attempt, he visited the station in person, only to be informed that the only option left was to purchase tickets online. Shahadat Hossain, the Dhaka Railway Station Manager, confirmed the intense demand, revealing that within the first 10 minutes of the ticket sales opening on March 14, tickets for the western regions had already flown off the digital shelves. A staggering 20 million hits surged through the system, all for a limited 15,773 tickets. "The demand is overwhelming. It's no surprise that people are struggling to secure a ticket," Hossain added. The second day of sales was equally chaotic, with more than 7.3 million attempts to buy tickets within the first 30 minutes. And this frenzy continued on March 16, when tickets for March 26 went live, racking up an astonishing 98 million hits in the first 30 minutes of sales. Train passengers urged to buy tickets from official app, counters While officials insisted that there were no technical glitches with the website, the sheer volume of traffic – combined with the restricted number of tickets – left many disappointed. Railway Ministry’s Public Relations Officer Rezaul Karim Siddique had earlier detailed the advance sales schedule, but the excitement was already tempered by the mounting complaints from travellers. Struggle of the Masses Station Master-1, Anwar Hossain, explained the core issue: capacity. "Our trains have over 50,000 seats, but millions want to travel. The simultaneous online traffic puts a strain on our servers. The speed of the internet, it seems, plays a pivotal role in determining who manages to secure tickets. Those with superior internet connections are more likely to succeed. It's a race, and not everyone can win,” Hossain said. As part of the government's attempts to ensure fairness, tickets are now available in two shifts – one at 8 am and the other at 2 pm. Besides, an OTP system has been introduced to prevent ticket scalping, ensuring that no single phone number can be used repeatedly to purchase multiple tickets. Despite these measures, the lack of transparency and the sheer complexity of the system have raised suspicions. Station Assistant Saidul Islam revealed that the old system, which allowed tickets to be purchased from third parties after they were technically sold out online, has been abolished. “Yet, the murmurs of a black market persist.” A Hidden Crisis According to experts, the frenzy may not just be about the sheer demand for tickets. Dr Mohammad Mesbah Uddin Sarkar, a professor from the Institute of Technology at Jahangirnagar University, raised concerns over the possibility of manipulation behind the scenes. "In theory, if the server is fast enough, ticket sales could indeed be completed in just a few minutes, but the question is: is that happening here? Servers in our country rarely operate at such high speeds and it’s possible that there are other forces at play," Sarkar warned. The professor suggested that unscrupulous people, perhaps involved in the management of the online system, could be exploiting the situation. "This could be an excuse to cover up other activities – some people may be secretly siphoning off tickets and selling them on the black market," he claimed. Indeed, with tens of thousands of eager travellers left stranded each year, it's difficult to ignore the possibility of covert operations driving the sale of "black tickets" – sold at a premium to those unable to book via the legitimate channels. As millions prepare for the much-awaited Eid celebrations, the ticketing system remains a source of frustration and suspicion. While the railway authorities continue to push the narrative that high demand is the root of the problem, experts and passengers alike are questioning whether there is more to the story than meets the eye. In the face of mounting complaints, one thing is clear: the road to Eid may not only be long and arduous, but also rife with uncertainties and unspoken truths.

As the sun beats down mercilessly on the sprawling agricultural fields of Faridpur, an all-too-familiar struggle unfolds -- storage crisis for their produce. Locals said farmers and traders, laden with tonnes of freshly harvested potatoes, find themselves in a desperate race against time, vying for elusive storage space in the region’s limited cold storage facilities. Concerns growing over Rooppur Nuclear Plant’s viability amid high costs Their patience wears thin as the queue of trucks, brimming with golden heaps of potatoes, snakes along the Rajbari Road. For days on, weary farmers linger under the oppressive heat, their precious produce vulnerable to the unforgiving elements. Despite their best efforts, many are met with disappointment, as storage space remains in short supply, leaving them grappling with an unsettling fear—the looming prospect of spoilage. A Battle Against Time and Heat For the past five to six days, long lines of trucks have remained stagnant outside the cold storage facility on Rajbari Road. Inside the tightly packed vehicles, sacks of potatoes sit precariously, their quality slowly eroding with each passing hour. Farmers watch anxiously, knowing that nature does not wait. Bumper tomato yields bring no joy to Sunamganj farmers The standard practice dictates that bookings for cold storage must be made months in advance, typically in December and January. Even those who meticulously followed this protocol are finding themselves at an impasse. The growing demand for storage space has led to a backlog, further exacerbating the plight of traders and farmers alike. Selim Mollah, a trader who journeyed all the way from Thakurgaon with 13 tonnes of potatoes, expressed his distress. “I arrived in Faridpur five days ago, but I’m still waiting to store my potatoes. The prolonged wait has left me exhausted, and I’m worried the heat will ruin my produce.” His frustration is echoed by many others who share his predicament—stranded with their crops, caught in a cycle of uncertainty. A Facility Strained Beyond Its Limits Faridpur Cold Storage Limited, a privately owned facility established in 1995 in the bustling Goalchamat area, stands at the heart of this crisis. With a storage capacity of 150,000 bags—each capable of holding 60 kg of potatoes—the facility serves farmers and traders from March to November. Besides, it provides short-term storage for fruit vendors, catering to a diverse range of agricultural needs. At the onset of the storage season, merchants from Faridpur, Gopalganj, Kushtia, Jhenidah, Magura, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Rangpur, Dinajpur and Rajshahi flock to this vital hub, eager to safeguard their produce. Each bag stored comes at a price of Tk 405, a necessary investment to ensure their harvest remains intact until it reaches the market. Yet, the sheer volume of potatoes arriving in tandem has pushed the facility to its limits. Rustum Mollah, the manager of Faridpur Cold Storage, attributes the bottleneck to an overwhelming yield and an influx of trucks arriving simultaneously. “We’ve already received over 60,000 bags of potatoes. Once we clear the backlog, we’ll be able to manage the remaining stock,” he explained. However, the challenge is not just about capacity—it is also about manpower. “We have a limited number of unloading workers, which is causing delays in storing potatoes from distant areas. However, we aim to clear the waiting trucks within the next four to five days,” he assured, offering a glimmer of hope to those still waiting. Pilgrims, agencies struggle as Saudi Arabia almost freezes visa issuance for Umrah A Larger Crisis in Cold Chain Infrastructure The situation in Faridpur is but a microcosm of a larger issue plaguing Bangladesh’s agricultural sector—an acute shortage of cold storage facilities. The country’s existing infrastructure, though boasting over 300 cold storage units with a combined capacity of 2.7 million metric tonnes, remains woefully inadequate. This deficiency leads to significant post-harvest losses, compromises food safety, and stifles the potential for agricultural trade. Experts argue that a well-developed cold chain system could revolutionise the sector, enabling farmers to expand export opportunities while ensuring their produce retains its quality and nutritional value. Without such an intervention, farmers will continue to battle the elements, their hard-earned yields at the mercy of time and temperature. For now, the farmers of Faridpur remain steadfast in their vigil, hoping against hope that their patience—and their potatoes—will not go to waste.